If ever there was an example of the transformative power of sport it came on Sunday night in the Cotai Arena, inside Macau's Venetian Hotel.

By destroying his opponent Brandon Rios, Manny Pacquiao's performance gave hope to a nation still coming to terms with one of the worst natural disasters in recent history.

His victory is made all the more impressive by the way he dealt with the pressure. With millions mourning the loss of family and friends, loved ones and homes, the weight of expectation was immense. In the Philippines Pacquaio is David Beckham, Rory McIlroy and Andy Murray all rolled into one. Defeat was unthinkable.

Not only that, but Pacquiao is considered a fighter in decline, his stock having depreciated to its lowest point in almost decade after two big losses against Juan Manuel Marquez and Timothy Bradley in the last couple of years.

His pound-for-pound rating dropped to number 10, below even Bradley whose victory over the little Filipino was shrouded in controversy.

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The contentious points decision that night left many scratching their heads.

Granted he wasn't at his usual imperious best, but many, including myself, thought he had done enough to edge Bradley- not so.

His subsequent loss to old foe Marquez inside the distance highlighted to many the decline of the most formidable fighter in a generation, and surely marked the final chapter in a glittering 52-fight career that saw him established as the only man in boxing history to claim world titles at eight different weight divisions.

How wrong we were.

Whether he goes on to fight again remains to be seen, but his legacy is not in question. 

Perhaps we should not be surprised that Pacquiao - who recently made the successful transition from sportsman to politician when he was elected to represent his province in parliament - did not wilt under the weight of expectation.

But the importance of him winning Sunday night's fight cannot be underestimated. The Philippines needs its talisman, now more than ever.

Such is his standing in the country crime actually goes down when he fights - yes even criminals are glued to the screen when the country's most famous sporting son takes to the ring.

Elsewhere, in the areas worst hit by Typhoon Haiyan, big screen TVs were erected and thousands flocked to cheer and celebrate every blow against the challenger Rios.

Communities rallied together. As long Pacquiao was standing, as long as he was still fighting, so were they. Never has a boxer - or any sporting idol for that matter - meant so much, or indeed given so much, to the country of their birth.

How ironic that boxing, that most brutal of sports, helped bring Filipino people together in such a way, but bring them together it did.

Pacquiao may yet go on to lead his country. He has achieved such adoration not just through his prowess in the ring, but by dedicating his life and wealth to his people - his collective family of millions.

Governor, boxer, colonel, there is no title that truly does him justice.

But for now, I will simply recognise him for what he is - a true sporting icon.